Payphone Tag Wiki - User contributions [en]

Main Page

2026-06-15T07:39:17Z

ArcticVandal:

<div style="text-align:center; margin: 1.5em 0;">
'''The community wiki for [https://payphonetag.com Payphone Tag]''' — every Telstra payphone in Australia, with photos, history, and live capture status.
</div>

== Payphone Tag ==

* [[:Payphone_Tag|About]]
* [[:Gameplay]]
* [[:Operator]]
* [[:Agent|Agents]]
* [[:Cells]]
* [[:PIN]]
* [[:Points]]
* [[:Badges]]
* [[:Party_Line|Party Line]]

== Payphone Intelligence ==

* [[:Telstra_Smart_Payphone|Telstra Smart Payphone]]
* [[:Telstra_Air|Telstra Air]] — Public Wi-Fi hotspots.

* [[:Phonecard|Phonecards]]
* [[:TTY]] — Teletypewriter.
* [[:DTMF]] — Dual-Tone Multi-Frequency.
* [[:Cabinet|Cabinets]] — Payphone cabinet types.

* [[:Telstra]] — Australia's telecommunications company.
* [[:Telecom_Australia|Telecom Australia]] — Before Telstra.

== Find a Payphone ==

Use the search bar at the top of the page (or press <kbd>Ctrl</kbd>+<kbd>K</kbd>) to find a payphone by Telstra cabinet ID (e.g. <code>02624108X2</code>), address, or suburb. Suggestions appear as you type — pick one to jump straight to its article.

== Browse Payphones ==

* [[:Category:Payphone photos|Payphone photos]] — every payphone with a photo, on one page.
* [[:Category:Payphones|Payphones]] — all payphones.
* By state: [[:Category:Payphones in NSW|NSW]] · [[:Category:Payphones in VIC|VIC]] · [[:Category:Payphones in QLD|QLD]] · [[:Category:Payphones in WA|WA]] · [[:Category:Payphones in SA|SA]] · [[:Category:Payphones in TAS|TAS]] · [[:Category:Payphones in ACT|ACT]] · [[:Category:Payphones in NT|NT]]
* By capability: [[:Category:Wi-Fi hotspot payphones|Wi-Fi]] · [[:Category:Card payphones|card]] · [[:Category:Incoming-call payphones|incoming calls]] · [[:Category:TTY-equipped payphones|TTY]] · [[:Category:ADSL payphones|ADSL]] · [[:Category:Fibre payphones|fibre]] · [[:Category:LTE payphones|LTE]]
* [[Special:AllPages/Payphone:|All payphone pages, A → Z]]

== Community ==
* [[Discord_Server|Discord]]
* [https://www.reddit.com/r/Payphonetag/ r/Payphonetag] on Reddit
* [https://www.tiktok.com/@payphonetag @payphonetag] on TikTok

== Community Projects ==
* [https://github.com/declanjscott/payphone-router Payphone Router] - Optimal route calculator
* [https://pathfinder.onyxia.co Payphone Pathfinder] - Optimal route calculator instance of [https://github.com/happyethan2/payphone-pathfinder Payphone Pathfinder], created by GhostScout, hosted by [[User:AstralWren|AstralWren]]
* [https://phonetag.cyanvector.com Phonetag Finder] - View the nearest payphone by distance, by SonicMoth
* [https://carminecassie.com/payphones/ Payphone Explorer] - Fog of War viewer for phones you've visited, by DuskLynx
* [https://testflight.apple.com/join/AaEq5Zyw Teletag Beta] - iOS app version of Payphone Tag (currently in TestFlight Beta), by CarbonPilot
* [https://directoryassistance.fyi Directory Assistance] - Quick links to official resources and some community projects, by [[User:ArcticVandal| ArcticVandal]]

== About this wiki ==

This is the community wiki for '''Payphone Tag''' — a location-based game where players capture and hold real Telstra payphones across Australia. The wiki documents each phone: where it is, what it looks like, the history of the spot, and (live, via the game API) who currently holds it.

* '''Play the game:''' [https://payphonetag.com payphonetag.com]
* '''Help & how-to:''' [[Project:Help]] · [[Template:Payphone]] · [[Project:Photo guidelines|Photo Guidelines]]
* '''Recent edits:''' [[Special:RecentChanges]]

Anyone with an account can edit. New accounts have their first few edits reviewed at [[Special:Moderation]] — be patient, we'll get to it.

__NOTOC__
__NOEDITSECTION__

Main Page

2026-06-15T07:38:54Z

ArcticVandal:

<div style="text-align:center; margin: 1.5em 0;">
'''The community wiki for [https://payphonetag.com Payphone Tag]''' — every Telstra payphone in Australia, with photos, history, and live capture status.
</div>

== Payphone Tag ==

* [[:Payphone_Tag|About]]
* [[:Gameplay]]
* [[:Operator]]
* [[:Agent|Agents]]
* [[:Cells]]
* [[:PIN]]
* [[:Points]]
* [[:Badges]]
* [[:Party_Line|Party Line]]

== Payphone Intelligence ==

* [[:Telstra_Smart_Payphone|Telstra Smart Payphone]]
* [[:Telstra_Air|Telstra Air]] — Public Wi-Fi hotspots.

* [[:Phonecard|Phonecards]]
* [[:TTY]] — Teletypewriter.
* [[:DTMF]] — Dual-Tone Multi-Frequency.
* [[:Cabinet|Cabinets]] — Payphone cabinet types.

* [[:Telstra]] — Australia's telecommunications company.
* [[:Telecom_Australia|Telecom Australia]] — Before Telstra.

== Find a Payphone ==

Use the search bar at the top of the page (or press <kbd>Ctrl</kbd>+<kbd>K</kbd>) to find a payphone by Telstra cabinet ID (e.g. <code>02624108X2</code>), address, or suburb. Suggestions appear as you type — pick one to jump straight to its article.

== Browse Payphones ==

* [[:Category:Payphone photos|Payphone photos]] — every payphone with a photo, on one page.
* [[:Category:Payphones|Payphones]] — all payphones.
* By state: [[:Category:Payphones in NSW|NSW]] · [[:Category:Payphones in VIC|VIC]] · [[:Category:Payphones in QLD|QLD]] · [[:Category:Payphones in WA|WA]] · [[:Category:Payphones in SA|SA]] · [[:Category:Payphones in TAS|TAS]] · [[:Category:Payphones in ACT|ACT]] · [[:Category:Payphones in NT|NT]]
* By capability: [[:Category:Wi-Fi hotspot payphones|Wi-Fi]] · [[:Category:Card payphones|card]] · [[:Category:Incoming-call payphones|incoming calls]] · [[:Category:TTY-equipped payphones|TTY]] · [[:Category:ADSL payphones|ADSL]] · [[:Category:Fibre payphones|fibre]] · [[:Category:LTE payphones|LTE]]
* [[Special:AllPages/Payphone:|All payphone pages, A → Z]]

== Community ==
* [[Discord_Server|Discord]]
* [https://www.reddit.com/r/Payphonetag/ r/Payphonetag] on Reddit
* [https://www.tiktok.com/@payphonetag @payphonetag] on TikTok

== Community Projects ==
* [https://github.com/declanjscott/payphone-router Payphone Router] - Optimal route calculator
* [https://pathfinder.onyxia.co Payphone Pathfinder] - Optimal route calculator instance of [https://github.com/happyethan2/payphone-pathfinder Payphone Pathfinder], created by GhostScout, hosted by [[User:AstralWren|AstralWren]]
* [https://phonetag.cyanvector.com Phonetag Finder] - View the nearest payphone by distance, by SonicMoth
* [https://carminecassie.com/payphones/ Payphone Explorer] - Fog of War viewer for phones you've visited, by DuskLynx
* [https://testflight.apple.com/join/AaEq5Zyw Teletag Beta] - iOS app version of Payphone Tag (currently in TestFlight Beta), by CarbonPilot
* [https://directoryassistance.fyi] - Quick links to official resources and some community projects, by [[User:ArcticVandal| ArcticVandal]]

== About this wiki ==

This is the community wiki for '''Payphone Tag''' — a location-based game where players capture and hold real Telstra payphones across Australia. The wiki documents each phone: where it is, what it looks like, the history of the spot, and (live, via the game API) who currently holds it.

* '''Play the game:''' [https://payphonetag.com payphonetag.com]
* '''Help & how-to:''' [[Project:Help]] · [[Template:Payphone]] · [[Project:Photo guidelines|Photo Guidelines]]
* '''Recent edits:''' [[Special:RecentChanges]]

Anyone with an account can edit. New accounts have their first few edits reviewed at [[Special:Moderation]] — be patient, we'll get to it.

__NOTOC__
__NOEDITSECTION__

PayphoneTag:Help

2026-06-14T10:19:14Z

ArcticVandal: Created page with "The PayphoneTag Wiki runs on MediaWiki. For assistance using or editing the Wiki, please go to the [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Contents MediaWiki Help Page]. For help playing PayphoneTag itself, please see Gameplay."

The PayphoneTag Wiki runs on MediaWiki. For assistance using or editing the Wiki, please go to the [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Contents MediaWiki Help Page].

For help playing PayphoneTag itself, please see [[Gameplay]].

Main Page

2026-06-14T10:04:53Z

ArcticVandal:

<div style="text-align:center; margin: 1.5em 0;">
'''The community wiki for [https://payphonetag.com Payphone Tag]''' — every Telstra payphone in Australia, with photos, history, and live capture status.
</div>

== Payphone Tag ==

* [[:Payphone_Tag|About]]
* [[:Gameplay]]
* [[:Operator]]
* [[:Agent|Agents]]
* [[:Cells]]
* [[:PIN]]
* [[:Points]]
* [[:Badges]]
* [[:Party_Line|Party Line]]

== Payphone Intelligence ==

* [[:Telstra_Smart_Payphone|Telstra Smart Payphone]]
* [[:Telstra_Air|Telstra Air]] — Public Wi-Fi hotspots.

* [[:Phonecard|Phonecards]]
* [[:TTY]] — Teletypewriter.
* [[:DTMF]] — Dual-Tone Multi-Frequency.
* [[:Cabinet|Cabinets]] — Payphone cabinet types.

* [[:Telstra]] — Australia's telecommunications company.
* [[:Telecom_Australia|Telecom Australia]] — Before Telstra.

== Find a Payphone ==

Use the search bar at the top of the page (or press <kbd>Ctrl</kbd>+<kbd>K</kbd>) to find a payphone by Telstra cabinet ID (e.g. <code>02624108X2</code>), address, or suburb. Suggestions appear as you type — pick one to jump straight to its article.

== Browse Payphones ==

* [[:Category:Payphone photos|Payphone photos]] — every payphone with a photo, on one page.
* [[:Category:Payphones|Payphones]] — all payphones.
* By state: [[:Category:Payphones in NSW|NSW]] · [[:Category:Payphones in VIC|VIC]] · [[:Category:Payphones in QLD|QLD]] · [[:Category:Payphones in WA|WA]] · [[:Category:Payphones in SA|SA]] · [[:Category:Payphones in TAS|TAS]] · [[:Category:Payphones in ACT|ACT]] · [[:Category:Payphones in NT|NT]]
* By capability: [[:Category:Wi-Fi hotspot payphones|Wi-Fi]] · [[:Category:Card payphones|card]] · [[:Category:Incoming-call payphones|incoming calls]] · [[:Category:TTY-equipped payphones|TTY]] · [[:Category:ADSL payphones|ADSL]] · [[:Category:Fibre payphones|fibre]] · [[:Category:LTE payphones|LTE]]
* [[Special:AllPages/Payphone:|All payphone pages, A → Z]]

== Community ==
* [[Discord_Server|Discord]]
* [https://www.reddit.com/r/Payphonetag/ r/Payphonetag] on Reddit
* [https://www.tiktok.com/@payphonetag @payphonetag] on TikTok

== Community Projects ==
* [https://github.com/declanjscott/payphone-router Payphone Router] - Optimal route calculator
* [https://pathfinder.onyxia.co Payphone Pathfinder] - Optimal route calculator instance of [https://github.com/happyethan2/payphone-pathfinder Payphone Pathfinder], created by GhostScout, hosted by [[User:AstralWren|AstralWren]]
* [https://phonetag.cyanvector.com Phonetag Finder] - View the nearest payphone by distance, by SonicMoth
* [https://carminecassie.com/payphones/ Payphone Explorer] - Fog of War viewer for phones you've visited, by DuskLynx
* [https://testflight.apple.com/join/AaEq5Zyw Teletag Beta] - iOS app version of Payphone Tag (currently in TestFlight Beta), by CarbonPilot

== About this wiki ==

This is the community wiki for '''Payphone Tag''' — a location-based game where players capture and hold real Telstra payphones across Australia. The wiki documents each phone: where it is, what it looks like, the history of the spot, and (live, via the game API) who currently holds it.

* '''Play the game:''' [https://payphonetag.com payphonetag.com]
* '''Help & how-to:''' [[Project:Help]] · [[Template:Payphone]] · [[Project:Photo guidelines|Photo Guidelines]]
* '''Recent edits:''' [[Special:RecentChanges]]

Anyone with an account can edit. New accounts have their first few edits reviewed at [[Special:Moderation]] — be patient, we'll get to it.

__NOTOC__
__NOEDITSECTION__

Main Page

2026-06-14T07:39:15Z

ArcticVandal:

<div style="text-align:center; margin: 1.5em 0;">
'''The community wiki for [https://payphonetag.com Payphone Tag]''' — every Telstra payphone in Australia, with photos, history, and live capture status.
</div>

== Payphone Tag ==

* [[:Payphone_Tag|About]]
* [[:Gameplay]]
* [[:Operator]]
* [[:Agent|Agents]]
* [[:Cells]]
* [[:PIN]]
* [[:Points]]
* [[:Badges]]
* [[:Party_Line|Party Line]]

== Payphone Intelligence ==

* [[:Telstra_Smart_Payphone|Telstra Smart Payphone]]
* [[:Telstra_Air|Telstra Air]] — Public Wi-Fi hotspots.

* [[:Phonecard|Phonecards]]
* [[:TTY]] — Teletypewriter.
* [[:DTMF]] — Dual-Tone Multi-Frequency.
* [[:Cabinet|Cabinets]] — Payphone cabinet types.

* [[:Telstra]] — Australia's telecommunications company.
* [[:Telecom_Australia|Telecom Australia]] — Before Telstra.

== Find a Payphone ==

Use the search bar at the top of the page (or press <kbd>Ctrl</kbd>+<kbd>K</kbd>) to find a payphone by Telstra cabinet ID (e.g. <code>02624108X2</code>), address, or suburb. Suggestions appear as you type — pick one to jump straight to its article.

== Browse Payphones ==

* [[:Category:Payphone photos|Payphone photos]] — every payphone with a photo, on one page.
* [[:Category:Payphones|Payphones]] — all payphones.
* By state: [[:Category:Payphones in NSW|NSW]] · [[:Category:Payphones in VIC|VIC]] · [[:Category:Payphones in QLD|QLD]] · [[:Category:Payphones in WA|WA]] · [[:Category:Payphones in SA|SA]] · [[:Category:Payphones in TAS|TAS]] · [[:Category:Payphones in ACT|ACT]] · [[:Category:Payphones in NT|NT]]
* By capability: [[:Category:Wi-Fi hotspot payphones|Wi-Fi]] · [[:Category:Card payphones|card]] · [[:Category:Incoming-call payphones|incoming calls]] · [[:Category:TTY-equipped payphones|TTY]] · [[:Category:ADSL payphones|ADSL]] · [[:Category:Fibre payphones|fibre]] · [[:Category:LTE payphones|LTE]]
* [[Special:AllPages/Payphone:|All payphone pages, A → Z]]

== Community ==
* [[Discord_Server|Discord]]
* [https://www.reddit.com/r/Payphonetag/ r/Payphonetag] on Reddit
* [https://www.tiktok.com/@payphonetag @payphonetag] on TikTok

== Community Projects ==
* [https://carminecassie.com/payphones/ Payphone Explorer] - Fog of War viewer for phones you've visited
* [https://testflight.apple.com/join/AaEq5Zyw Teletag Beta] - iOS app version of Payphone Tag (currently in TestFlight Beta)

== About this wiki ==

This is the community wiki for '''Payphone Tag''' — a location-based game where players capture and hold real Telstra payphones across Australia. The wiki documents each phone: where it is, what it looks like, the history of the spot, and (live, via the game API) who currently holds it.

* '''Play the game:''' [https://payphonetag.com payphonetag.com]
* '''Help & how-to:''' [[Project:Help]] · [[Template:Payphone]] · [[Project:Photo guidelines|Photo Guidelines]]
* '''Recent edits:''' [[Special:RecentChanges]]

Anyone with an account can edit. New accounts have their first few edits reviewed at [[Special:Moderation]] — be patient, we'll get to it.

__NOTOC__
__NOEDITSECTION__

Phonecard

2026-06-12T05:20:45Z

ArcticVandal: /* Recent Observations */

[[File:$5 telstra phonecard.jpg|thumb|$5 Telstra Phonecard<ref>https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/396077653712</ref>]]
A '''Telstra Phonecard''' (also called a '''calling card''') is a pre-paid card that is used to make phone calls at [[Payphone|payphones]] to international numbers and satellite phones. These cards are sold in denominations of $5, $10, and $20 at select Telstra outlets<ref>''Calling cards'', Telstra, [https://www.telstra.com.au/phone-line/calling-cards](https://www.telstra.com.au/phone-line/calling-cards). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref>, and they are the only way to pay for such calls, as cash payments were discontinued at some point after domestic calls were made free in 2021. Phonecards can be programmed to autodial a number, which can be useful for [[Agent|agents]] as it allows making captures on payphones with damaged keypads.[[File:$10 telstra phonecard.jpg|thumb|279x279px|$10 Telstra Phonecard<ref>https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/396077695502</ref>]]

== History ==
Telstra started issuing phonecards in late 1980s. This first generation of cards were made by Japanese company Anritsu and had the value encoded onto a magnetic stripe, which would be decremented by the payphone. The phone would also punch holes into the card to provide a visual indication of the remaining credit.

In 1997, with the introduction of the [[Telstra Smart Payphone]], a new generation of phonecards with a chip was introduced. As these could not be used with older payphones, Telstra introduced a simple colour code: chip cards carried a red arrow matching the red arrow on Smart Payphones, and the older magstripe cards carried a green arrow matching the green arrow on older payphones.<ref name="smh-smart">''Using our new Smart Payphones and Smart Phonecards is easy'', Telstra advertisement, ''The Sydney Morning Herald'', Fairfax Media clipping via Newspapers.com, [https://fairfaxmedia.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-telstra-smart/196788410/](https://fairfaxmedia.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-telstra-smart/196788410/). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref> This has since been retired as there are no longer any phones remaining that accept magstripe cards.

Telstra also promoted the Smart Phonecard as a possible stored-value payment system beyond payphones, stating that Smart Phonecards would soon be accepted in vending machines for snacks and drinks.<ref name="smh-smart2">''Using our new Smart Payphones and Smart Phonecards is easy'', Telstra advertisement, ''The Sydney Morning Herald'', Fairfax Media clipping via Newspapers.com, [https://fairfaxmedia.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-telstra-smart/196788410/](https://fairfaxmedia.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-telstra-smart/196788410/). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref> The extent of any later vending-machine rollout is unclear.

== Technical details ==
The chip used in the Telstra Smart Phonecard has been identified by hobbyist and collector testing as the '''Siemens/Infineon SLE 4436''' family. The SLE 4436/36E was specifically designed for prepaid telephone-card applications. Manufacturer information describes it as containing 221 bits of EEPROM memory, 16 bits of ROM, a control/security unit, and a computing unit for chip authentication.<ref name="sle4436">''SLE 4436/36E Short Product Information'', Infineon Technologies, [https://cardplus.ru/wp-content/themes/new_templete/files/sle4436.pdf](https://cardplus.ru/wp-content/themes/new_templete/files/sle4436.pdf). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref>

The chip stores the card serial number, the remaining value on the card, an autodial number of up to 10 digits and certain other data. For security reasons, the chip is programmed to only allow one way writing. Credit cannot be added, it can only be deducted, hence why it is required to exchange the card for a new one if a refund is required. Similarly once an autodial number has been set, it cannot be edited or removed.

Ranges of serial numbers to invalidate can be sent to payphones in case a batch of phonecards is lost or stolen. This is likely also how cards are invalidated when expired.

It has been observed recently expired phonecards (e.g. 2025) continue to work. It is possible Telstra has stopped invalidating these cards so that unsold stock can continue to be sold, given the extremely low sales volumes now that the vast majority of calls are free. Please note this is not officially documented, so agents should purchase these cards at their own risk.

== Finding a phonecard ==
Telstra Shop staff may not know what a Telstra Phonecard is, especially because they are now rarely requested. When asking for one, avoid only saying ''calling card'', as staff may think of mobile recharge vouchers, international PIN cards or discontinued products. Useful wording:<blockquote>I’m after a '''Telstra Phonecard calling card''' for use in Telstra payphones. Telstra’s website lists it under '''Calling cards''' and says it is available in '''$5, $10 and $20''' denominations at selected Telstra Stores and retail outlets.</blockquote>It may help to show staff Telstra's ''Calling cards'' page, which states that Telstra Phonecards are used for international, mobile satellite and other chargeable calls from Telstra payphones.<ref name="telstra-phonecard-page2">''Calling cards'', Telstra, [https://www.telstra.com.au/phone-line/calling-cards](https://www.telstra.com.au/phone-line/calling-cards). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref> Ask whether the store can check old stock, the accessories drawer, or internal product listings.

=== Recent Observations ===
The following table shows stores where agents on the [[Discord Server|Payphone Tag Discord]] have recently tried to obtain phonecards:
{| class="wikitable sortable"
!Store
!State
!Notes
!Date
|-
|Burwood
|NSW
|Many cards available
|2026-06-02
|-
|Chatswood Chase
|NSW
|Plenty available
|2026-06-06
|-
|<s>Chatswood</s>
|NSW
|None
|2026-06-01
|-
|<s>Kempsey</s>
|NSW
|Out of stock
|2026-05-25
|-
|Marrickville Metro
|NSW
|Many $10, $20 cards
One $5 left
|2026-06-01
|-
|<s>Macquarie Centre</s>
|NSW
|Out of stock
|2026-06-07
|-
|Pitt Street
|NSW
|Plenty of $10, $20 cards
$5 not sold here
|2026-05-24
|-
|<s>Rhodes</s>
|NSW
|Out of stock
|2026-05-25
|-
|Wollongong
|NSW
|Plenty of $5 and $10 cards
|2026-05-15
|-
|<s>World Square</s>
|NSW
|Out of stock
|Unknown
|-
|Brunswick
|VIC
|$5 available
|2026-05-22
|-
|<s>Melbourne Icon</s>
|VIC
|Out of stock
|2026-06-06
|-
|Melbourne Emporium
|VIC
|$5 sold out
|2026-05-06
|-
|Rundle Mall
|SA
|2x$10 and 1x$20 remaining
|2026-05-08
|-
|<s>Claremont</s>
|WA
|Out of stock
|2026-06-06
|-
|<s>Perth</s>
|WA
|Out of stock
|2026-06-06
|}

== Exchange ==
In certain cases, phonecards can be exchanged for a new one by posting it to Telstra with a completed form:

* Exchange magstripe for chip card (ended 3 May 2010)
* Exchange expired card with value remaining for new card (except where marked otherwise on card)
* Exchange faulty card for new card
* Exchange card where value was deducted incorrected due to a payphone fault

Phonecard

2026-06-12T04:04:52Z

ArcticVandal: /* Recent Observations */

[[File:$5 telstra phonecard.jpg|thumb|$5 Telstra Phonecard<ref>https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/396077653712</ref>]]
A '''Telstra Phonecard''' (also called a '''calling card''') is a pre-paid card that is used to make phone calls at [[Payphone|payphones]] to international numbers and satellite phones. These cards are sold in denominations of $5, $10, and $20 at select Telstra outlets<ref>''Calling cards'', Telstra, [https://www.telstra.com.au/phone-line/calling-cards](https://www.telstra.com.au/phone-line/calling-cards). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref>, and they are the only way to pay for such calls, as cash payments were discontinued at some point after domestic calls were made free in 2021. Phonecards can be programmed to autodial a number, which can be useful for [[Agent|agents]] as it allows making captures on payphones with damaged keypads.[[File:$10 telstra phonecard.jpg|thumb|279x279px|$10 Telstra Phonecard<ref>https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/396077695502</ref>]]

== History ==
Telstra started issuing phonecards in late 1980s. This first generation of cards were made by Japanese company Anritsu and had the value encoded onto a magnetic stripe, which would be decremented by the payphone. The phone would also punch holes into the card to provide a visual indication of the remaining credit.

In 1997, with the introduction of the [[Telstra Smart Payphone]], a new generation of phonecards with a chip was introduced. As these could not be used with older payphones, Telstra introduced a simple colour code: chip cards carried a red arrow matching the red arrow on Smart Payphones, and the older magstripe cards carried a green arrow matching the green arrow on older payphones.<ref name="smh-smart">''Using our new Smart Payphones and Smart Phonecards is easy'', Telstra advertisement, ''The Sydney Morning Herald'', Fairfax Media clipping via Newspapers.com, [https://fairfaxmedia.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-telstra-smart/196788410/](https://fairfaxmedia.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-telstra-smart/196788410/). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref> This has since been retired as there are no longer any phones remaining that accept magstripe cards.

Telstra also promoted the Smart Phonecard as a possible stored-value payment system beyond payphones, stating that Smart Phonecards would soon be accepted in vending machines for snacks and drinks.<ref name="smh-smart2">''Using our new Smart Payphones and Smart Phonecards is easy'', Telstra advertisement, ''The Sydney Morning Herald'', Fairfax Media clipping via Newspapers.com, [https://fairfaxmedia.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-telstra-smart/196788410/](https://fairfaxmedia.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-telstra-smart/196788410/). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref> The extent of any later vending-machine rollout is unclear.

== Technical details ==
The chip used in the Telstra Smart Phonecard has been identified by hobbyist and collector testing as the '''Siemens/Infineon SLE 4436''' family. The SLE 4436/36E was specifically designed for prepaid telephone-card applications. Manufacturer information describes it as containing 221 bits of EEPROM memory, 16 bits of ROM, a control/security unit, and a computing unit for chip authentication.<ref name="sle4436">''SLE 4436/36E Short Product Information'', Infineon Technologies, [https://cardplus.ru/wp-content/themes/new_templete/files/sle4436.pdf](https://cardplus.ru/wp-content/themes/new_templete/files/sle4436.pdf). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref>

The chip stores the card serial number, the remaining value on the card, an autodial number of up to 10 digits and certain other data. For security reasons, the chip is programmed to only allow one way writing. Credit cannot be added, it can only be deducted, hence why it is required to exchange the card for a new one if a refund is required. Similarly once an autodial number has been set, it cannot be edited or removed.

Ranges of serial numbers to invalidate can be sent to payphones in case a batch of phonecards is lost or stolen. This is likely also how cards are invalidated when expired.

It has been observed recently expired phonecards (e.g. 2025) continue to work. It is possible Telstra has stopped invalidating these cards so that unsold stock can continue to be sold, given the extremely low sales volumes now that the vast majority of calls are free. Please note this is not officially documented, so agents should purchase these cards at their own risk.

== Finding a phonecard ==
Telstra Shop staff may not know what a Telstra Phonecard is, especially because they are now rarely requested. When asking for one, avoid only saying ''calling card'', as staff may think of mobile recharge vouchers, international PIN cards or discontinued products. Useful wording:<blockquote>I’m after a '''Telstra Phonecard calling card''' for use in Telstra payphones. Telstra’s website lists it under '''Calling cards''' and says it is available in '''$5, $10 and $20''' denominations at selected Telstra Stores and retail outlets.</blockquote>It may help to show staff Telstra's ''Calling cards'' page, which states that Telstra Phonecards are used for international, mobile satellite and other chargeable calls from Telstra payphones.<ref name="telstra-phonecard-page2">''Calling cards'', Telstra, [https://www.telstra.com.au/phone-line/calling-cards](https://www.telstra.com.au/phone-line/calling-cards). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref> Ask whether the store can check old stock, the accessories drawer, or internal product listings.

=== Recent Observations ===
The following table shows stores where agents on the [[Discord Server|Payphone Tag Discord]] have recently tried to obtain phonecards:
{| class="wikitable sortable"
!Store
!State
!Notes
!Date
|-
|Burwood
|NSW
|Many cards available
|2/6/2026
|-
|Chatswood Chase
|NSW
|Plenty available
|6/6/2026
|-
|<s>Chatswood</s>
|NSW
|None
|01/06/2026
|-
|<s>Kempsey</s>
|NSW
|Out of stock
|25/5/2026
|-
|Marrickville Metro
|NSW
|Many $10, $20 cards
One $5 left
|1/6/2026
|-
|<s>Macquarie Centre</s>
|NSW
|Out of stock
|7/6/2026
|-
|Pitt Street
|NSW
|Plenty of $10, $20 cards
$5 not sold here
|24/5/2026
|-
|<s>Rhodes</s>
|NSW
|Out of stock
|25/5/2026
|-
|Wollongong
|NSW
|Plenty of $5 and $10 cards
|15/5/2026
|-
|<s>World Square</s>
|NSW
|Out of stock
|Unknown
|-
|Brunswick
|VIC
|$5 available
|22/5/2026
|-
|<s>Melbourne Icon</s>
|VIC
|Out of stock
|6/6/2026
|-
|Melbourne Emporium
|VIC
|$5 sold out
|6/5/2026
|-
|Rundle Mall
|SA
|2x$10 and 1x$20 remaining
|8/5/2026
|-
|<s>Claremont</s>
|WA
|Out of stock
|6/6/2026
|-
|<s>Perth</s>
|WA
|Out of stock
|6/6/2026
|}

== Exchange ==
In certain cases, phonecards can be exchanged for a new one by posting it to Telstra with a completed form:

* Exchange magstripe for chip card (ended 3 May 2010)
* Exchange expired card with value remaining for new card (except where marked otherwise on card)
* Exchange faulty card for new card
* Exchange card where value was deducted incorrected due to a payphone fault

User:ArcticVandal

2026-06-04T01:29:18Z

ArcticVandal: Created bio.

Feel free to @ tag me on the Discord.

File:Payphone-02462504X1-20260512085317.jpg

2026-05-12T08:54:09Z

ArcticVandal: Category:Photos of payphone 02462504X1 Category:Payphone photos {{cc-by-sa-4.0}} Front on shot of the payphone at night.

== Summary ==
[[Category:Photos of payphone 02462504X1]]
[[Category:Payphone photos]]

{{cc-by-sa-4.0}}

Front on shot of the payphone at night.

File:Payphone-02428549X2-20260511233506.jpg

2026-05-11T23:36:59Z

ArcticVandal: Category:Photos of payphone 02428549X2 Category:Payphone photos {{cc-by-sa-4.0}} Close up of the data plate.

== Summary ==
[[Category:Photos of payphone 02428549X2]]
[[Category:Payphone photos]]

{{cc-by-sa-4.0}}

Close up of the data plate.

File:Payphone-02428549X2-20260511210508.jpg

2026-05-11T21:07:27Z

ArcticVandal: Category:Photos of payphone 02428549X2 Category:Payphone photos {{cc-by-sa-4.0}} Front on shot of the payphone.

== Summary ==
[[Category:Photos of payphone 02428549X2]]
[[Category:Payphone photos]]

{{cc-by-sa-4.0}}

Front on shot of the payphone.

File:Payphone-02428549X2-20260511124224.jpg

2026-05-11T12:46:21Z

ArcticVandal: Category:Photos of payphone 02428549X2 Category:Payphone photos {{cc-by-sa-4.0}} A photo of the payphone including its picturesque setting in front of the Bulli Railway Station building. Facing South-West.

== Summary ==
[[Category:Photos of payphone 02428549X2]]
[[Category:Payphone photos]]

{{cc-by-sa-4.0}}

A photo of the payphone including its picturesque setting in front of the Bulli Railway Station building. Facing South-West.

File:Payphone-02462504X1-20260511122311.jpg

2026-05-11T12:31:35Z

ArcticVandal: Category:Photos of payphone 02462504X1 Category:Payphone photos {{cc-by-sa-4.0}} Wide angle shot showing the payphone in context.

== Summary ==
[[Category:Photos of payphone 02462504X1]]
[[Category:Payphone photos]]

{{cc-by-sa-4.0}}

Wide angle shot showing the payphone in context.